Meanwhile Orso was riding along beside his sister.

At first the speed at which their horses moved prevented all conversation, but when the hills grew so steep that they were obliged to go at a foot's pace, they began to exchange a few words about the friends from whom they had just parted.

Colomba spoke with admiration of Miss Nevil's beauty, of her golden hair, and charming ways.

Then she asked whether the colonel was really as rich as he appeared, and whether Miss Lydia was his only child.
"She would be a good match," said she.

"Her father seems to have a great liking for you----" And as Orso made no response, she added: "Our family was rich, in days gone by.